nr21 DESIGN Studio

About

We use the best tools to realize and communicate your ideas. From the very first step of the design process we prioritize strategy and conceptual considerations to predict significance and in order to enhance the impact of your innovation. Close collaboration with our partners enables us to bring projects to life iteratively and positively.

Our design team is made up of selected designers with very different backgrounds and specialisations. What unites us is the ability to look at the design process as a whole and to communicate our ideas and concepts in a firm and clear way. We do not want to settle in one area, as diversified work for clients from a wide range of different sectors is the basis of our creative quality.

nr21 DESIGN is the ultimate design studio. We develop design that even proves its worth right through the implementation phase. Our intention is to create logical and people-friendly products that impress on the market thanks to their quality and individuality. We take on projects for start-ups and medium-sized companies right through to global players. We also generate proactive product ideas in order to provide creative stimulus or for actual implementation. Our cooperation with research institutes and universities allows us to support the development and communication of current movements in technology and materials research. The scope of our work ranges from the development of innovation concepts and research projects to the definition of design constants, product families and singular product innovations, to logical product differentiation within a portfolio and/or market.

We strive for an extensive and interdisciplinary approach to design which prevents a separation of a product from its natural surrounding. Feasibility creates the framework to our ideation. Our work translates and communicates relevant trends in science and technology but also includes design trends, identity and efficiency. As a result we constantly push the boundaries of the established norm and possibility.

Together with our clients, we develop the future brand identity in a holistic sense. Using current analysis methods, we consider the expectations, impact and acceptance of your brand or portfolio segmentation and compare these with the previously defined brand values. The evaluation of these findings allows us to develop targeted design and process solutions that correspond to the desired corporate image and strategically promote as well as sustainably communicate it.

We evaluate technologies, usage scenarios and trends from a wide range of areas, as well as their reciprocal effects. We differentiate relevance and potential for your company and product portfolio. We highlight how innovations or new archetypes can be created with correct integration of these findings. Depending on the aim, we are able to highlight useful future scenarios using palpable societal and technological developments. In addition, we understand how to develop individual design despite limited manufacturing costs.

Evolution vs. revolution. Starting with the status quo, we investigate our client’s profile in terms of the brand and the product portfolio, as well as their relevance to the needs of specific target groups. This can be used to derive development plans, which can be both adjusting in the sense of an evolution and radical in the sense of a revolution. We draft design guides and provide support in the definition of the portfolio planning and/or product divisions in order to position your brand and products sustainably and to establish an individual design language.

Not every project has to be intended for immediate market launch. We also work with our clients to develop future scenarios that react to relevant socio-technological topics. We then derive logical and sustainable innovations and product concepts, which can be depicted in a variety of ways, ranging from virtual studies to functioning prototypes. We therefore provide transfer services, which, taking into account the defined prerequisites, transfer the developed visions into a concrete form and thus initiate our customers’ internal decision-making processes.

We develop packaging solutions and monitor their implementation right through to finalisation. Our service ranges from the conceptualisation and design of specific individual solutions or special editions to complete packaging series. We define pack sizes, materials, production and coating procedures as well as handling, tooling and artwork data and specify the concepts down to the last detail. Taking into account CI specifications, USPs and target groups, we develop individual design solutions that set themselves apart clearly at the POS and communicate their products in a targeted way.

With the aid of the latest tools, we are able to generate design layouts through to photo-realistic renderings that serve as a preview of the product to be developed and that can be used for your internal communication or for marketing purposes at a later date. Our areas of specialisation include: product animations, still shots, lifestyle shots, visualisations of assembly concepts, process visualisations and operating instructions as well as quick start guides.

We work with our partners to develop construction data with any desired level of detail. Years of experience with a wide range of manufacturing methods allow us to always generate optimum data in terms of defined quality standards, production procedures, material strengths, assembly, PCB layouts and coating systems.

In order to achieve targeted positioning and differentiation of products in terms of target groups and portfolio segments, we develop well-founded materials, surface and colour concepts. Trend analyses and cooperation with trend scouts serve as the basis for developing product concepts that are not necessary based on short-term tendencies but have timeless aesthetics and therefore facilitate sustainable product cycles.

Awards

The miscellaneous work and projects of the nr21 DESIGN team stand for excellent design, which was awarded with numerous international design prizes. Together with our clients & partners we are proud of this achievement.

Imprint

The content of this website and its written and pictorial descriptions are the property of nr21 DESIGN GmbH or its clients and respectively collaborative partners.

Despite careful and vigorous monitoring; nr21 DESIGN GmbH will not guarantee for the correctness of the content. We explicitly state that there are no and will not be, any warranties or any form of compensation issued for any damages, which should result from the use of this website. Furthermore nr21 DESIGN GmbH does not assume responsibility for the content of external linked websites.

Sennheiser Momentum 2 Wireless

Client: SennheiserYear: 2015Services: Product Design

Sennheiser’s Momentum 2 now comes with Bluetooth technology for wireless enjoyment of your favorite music. We maintained a lightweight appearance, consistant with the existing product line-up, despite packing the headphones with cutting edge wireless techonology. The project was developed in close collaboration with Sennheiser.

Carl Zeiss VR ONE

Virtual reality for everone- with Carl Zeiss AG in Germany, we developed the conceptual design as well as the final industrial design of their latest virtual reality device – the Zeiss VR One. The innovative concept combines the performance of your favourite smartphone with leading-edge optical design from Zeiss. A wide range of popular smartphones are compatible (4.7-5.2 inch display size), due to the customized phone trays. You can simply install the VR One App, slide your smartphone in and enjoy virtual reality content of your choice.

Vodafone Smart 4 Max

Client: VodafoneYear: 2014Services: Product Design

Your phone maximized – we designed Vodafone’s first Phablet with a 6 inch HD display and a powerful quad-core processor for great media experiences. The product design compliments the Vodafone Smart Family 2014 and comes in ultra slim dimensions, lightweight housing architecture and a high-quality display. The design was developed in close collaboration with Vodafone.

Vodafone SMART 4 TURBO

Client: VodafoneYear: 2014Services: Product Design

We are developing the design language of the Vodafone Smart Family even further with the Vodafone Smart 4 Turbo. It opens the door for new users to join the fastest available LTE connection. The sleek, large-format design makes it easy to navigate the 4.5 inch display with one hand. The 5 megapixal camera produces photos in excellent quality and the latest Android operating system ensures simple operation. The design was developed in close collaboration with Vodafone.

Moto REFLEX PEDAL

Client: motobicycles-36 UGYear: 2014Services: Product Design

The new MOTO Reflex Pedal is the natural next step for the MOTO Pedal. The MOTO Reflex Tape that is attached to the pedal ensures increased safety in traffic and integrates perfectly into the iconic design. It is available in a number of stylish colours. The large contact surface and completely flat design enable optimum power transfer. The Reflex Pedal is also compatible with existing MOTO grip tapes, which means it continues to provide you with a firm grip. The patented MOTO mechanical system, which does not require a ball bearing, is put into operation here. This means the pedal has a sealed shape with few parts and is extremely lightweight.

Vodafone SMART 4

Client: VodafoneYear: 2014Services: Product Design

In close collaboration with Vodafone, we designed the latest device of Vodafone’s 2014 Smart Family. The Vodafone Smart 4 builds on our predefined design language with its layered assembly and pure and clean surface treatment. It is the perfect mobile phone for those who value easy interaction and who also desire reliable technology: the HD voice-ready smart phone delivers crystal clear voice calls and the 4.5” screen affords easy access to your favorite apps and services. The 5 MP camera is paired with a front camera for taking selfies. The assisted GPS technology lets you use your smartphone on the go, while on foot or for car navigation.
The Vodafone Smart 4 also features a setup wizard and an intuitive user interface, which makes it easy for customers to configure and personalise their device.

Moto COLOR PEDAL

Client: motobicycles-36 UGYear: 2014Services: Product Design

The already launched Moto Urban Pedal delivers not only an excellent driving experience and design, but also boasts a new variety of colours.
The Moto Colour Pedals enables an individual colour match with the design of your bike. We selected the coating very carefully, in order to celebrate the birch wood. This way we could achieve a subtle shimmer of the wooden texture through the tinted paint.
Combined with the diversity of available grip tape artworks and colours, you gain vast possibilities to develop the perfect design for your bike.

Sennheiser HD6 Mix

Client: SennheiserYear: 2014Services: Product Design, Concept

We designed Sennheiser’s new DJ product range consisting of three headphones. The models HD8 DJ and HD7 DJ with a mid-low sound emphasis are focused on the rhythm and beat matching that professional DJs need, while the HD6 MIX was developed with an accurate and balanced sound for mixing and monitoring work. The iconic kinked design silhouette of Sennheiser’s newest DJ headphone family is also part of this product, which marks the third member of the new DJ product range. The design is rugged and lightweight– built to withstand years of work in the studio. The closed acoustical system with its comfortable ear cushions reduces background noise to a minimum so that you can concentrate on finding the perfect mix. All three products were developed in close collaboration with Sennheiser.

Sennheiser HD7 DJ

Client: SennheiserYear: 2014Services: Product Design, Concept

We designed Sennheiser’s new DJ product range consisting of three headphones. The models HD8 DJ and HD7 DJ with a mid-low sound emphasis are focused on the rhythm and beat matching that professional DJs need, while the HD6 MIX was developed with an accurate and balanced sound for mixing and monitoring work. All headphones share a pure and simple design approach with an characteristical kinked headband silhouette. The HD7 DJ and the HD8 DJ feature swivelling ear cups with up to 210° of movement and three different wearing positions to suit your individual preference. All models are made of extremely durable built quality and the high tier product HD8 DJ also featuring metal-crafted housing parts as well as an yet unseen hollow hinge axis. All three products were developed in close collaboration with Sennheiser.

Sennheiser HD8 DJ

Client: SennheiserYear: 2014Services: Product Design, Concept

We designed Sennheiser’s new DJ product range consisting of three headphones. The models HD8 DJ and HD7 DJ with a mid-low sound emphasis are focused on the rhythm and beat matching that professional DJs need, while the HD6 MIX was developed with an accurate and balanced sound for mixing and monitoring work. All headphones share a pure and simple design approach with an characteristical kinked headband silhouette. The HD7 DJ and the HD8 DJ feature swivelling ear cups with up to 210° of movement and three different wearing positions to suit your individual preference. All models are made of extremely durable built quality and the high tier product HD8 DJ also featuring metal-crafted housing parts as well as an yet unseen hollow hinge axis. All three products were developed in close collaboration with Sennheiser.

Sonoro Cubos

The new Cubo Series from Sonoro consists of three compact audio products. Regarding their acoustical and technical features the devices are tuned for different spatial requirements. The iconic user interface is clearly structured and allows an easy and intuitive handling. While the radio and the CD radio are equipped with a mono broadband speaker on the top, the stereo variant has two speakers facing to the front. The design challenge was to create a clear and declinable design, which shows the intention of establishing a product family, without disregarding the individual features of each product.

Vodafone Smart 4 Mini

Client: VodafoneYear: 2014Services: Product Design

Vodafone’s Smart 4 Mini is the entry smartphone of the 2014 Smart Family product range, we have designed for Vodafone. With no compromise in performance the 4” handset allows to explore the true benefits of the mobile internet with more than 1 million apps – available on the Google Play Store. Pre-installed services like navigation or voice search enhance the access to the world of mobile communication. The continuing revolution of the Smart Family design language was developed in close collaboration with Vodafone.

Carl Zeiss Packaging & Accessories

For Carl Zeiss we designed several accessories for the Cinemizer OLED multimedia glasses. Furthermore we were also in charge of the conception and design of a suitable retail packaging. For both – the packaging as well as the accessories – the approach was to achieve a consistent and clean look which fits to the reference product and the CI of Carl Zeiss.

Sennheiser HDVD 800 & HDVA 600

Perfect sound – the outstanding features of Sennheiser’s HDVD 800 (digital) and HDVA 600 (analog) include their balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive spatiality. The high value of the sound is emphasized through an exquisite design: both the housing and the potentiometer control as well as the rotary switch for selecting the source are made of anodized aluminum, while the front panel of the housing and the controls are milled from solid material. Designed and manufactured in Germany, this high-end, solid-state amplifier harmonizes perfectly and delivers an ultimate acoustic performance, when paired with audiophile headphones.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear

Sound meets fashion! We designed the new Momentum On-Ear for Sennheiser. This pure lifestyle headphone is the lightweight version of the original Momentum and available in a spectrum of carefully selected and fashionable colours. The usage of high quality materials, such as genuine Alcantara fabrics from Milan as well as the exceptional production quality let this headphone become an object of desire!

Sennheiser LSP 500 Pro

With Sennheiser we designed the wireless loudspeaker LSP 500 PRO PA system and set new standards in the world of sound & usability. Designed to obviate the need for cabling, the LSP 500 Pro can be used in systems of up to 20 speakers and remotely controlled from a mobile device such as an iPad running the dedicated app provided. Within a multi-speaker system, any speaker can be defined as the master device and wirelessly connected to the others. Incorporating a dual battery design, the system is capable of up to seven hours continuous operation.

Vodafone Smart II

Client: VodafoneYear: 2012Services: Product Design, Implementation

Ideal for newcomers! The Vodafone SMART II is the perfect mobile phone to open up the world of smartphones to the user. The Android system and wide display provide easy access to apps and widgets. The integrated GPS-receiver guarantees excellent navigation capabilities. The pure, elegant design expresses the outstanding character of the SMART II. Additional mix’n match covers allow the user to create his individual smartphone.

Sennheiser IE 800

Client: SennheiserYear: 2012Services: Product Design

At the heart of the IE 800 are several small but invaluable breakthroughs, like the perfected extra wide band transducer system. It is currently the smallest extra wide-band sound transducer available in dynamic ear canal phones and promises distortion-free sound, capable of performing even at high sound pressure levels. With dampened two chamber absorbers, ceramic housing and ergonomic, oval-shaped ear adaptors, the IE 800 is loaded with numerous ground-breaking innovations. Designed, developed and produced in Germany, it not only boasts innovative technology but also feature an attractive, yet modern and elegant design.

Vodafone Smart III

As a successor of the first two smart phones VF Smart and VF Smart II we also designed the recently launched Smart III. The Smart III is the first Vodafone Handset with 4.0 inch screen and NFC technology. As well as its technical features also the individualization story was enhanced through exchengeable and customizable graphic sheets. Those sheets can be made with ordinary printers and every kind of artwork can be applied. Due to the transparancy of the back covers the inlayed graphic sheets subtly shine through and cause interesting visual effects. The project was developed in close collaboration with Vodafone.

txtr Beagle

“read | only” is what txtr Beagle stands for. The aim was to design an e-book reader that is radically reduced to its essential function – reading. The resulting design is pure and slim-shaped. txtr Beagle is the world’s lightest and smallest 5” e-reader. The elegant silhouette of the device integrates the power source – two AAA batteries – into an ergonomic feature, allowing the user to curl up and read their favorite novel in the palm of one hand. Books can be easily transferred via Bluetooth. txtr Beagle requires no cables, no chargers and can be personalized with interchangeable back covers, which are available in different vibrant colors.

Sennheiser Momentum

Client: SennheiserYear: 2012Services: Product Design, Implementation

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM headphones make high-end sound quality tangible. Its minimalist design resolutely cuts out superfluities, making the headphones appear understated and timeless. The high-quality materials emphasize the headphones’ pure esthetics. People love them for how they look and also for how they feel – combining design and luxurious textures to excite the sense of touch with the ultimate in comfort to wear. Also, the circumaural capsules ensure perfect listening enjoyment.

The Motobicycles platform pedal marks an innovation - hightech, reduced to the max. The pedal is reduced to the bare essentials. In contrast to conventional platform pedals it is extreme light weight and thin. Despite of abandoning grip pins it is slip-resistant. The low weight can be accomplished through a consequent reduction of components and an unexpected material choice (plywood). Therefore the Moto pedal provides an outstanding performance, expressed by the pure design.

Sonoro Speaker

Rich sound: The Sonoro audio speaker brings high-end sound pleasure to your ears. The latest technic and precise manufacturing find its expression in a clear and strong design. The sandwich structure of the speaker guarantees protection of the body between two metal plates and gives the speaker an iconic silhouette.

Skytron Web Portal

Client: Skytron® Energy GmbHYear: 2011Services: User Interface Design

The Skytron web portal is a graphical user interface for monitoring and remote administration of photovoltaic systems. The structure is based on two layers – the map layer and the area layer. The map layer is overlaid by the area layer according to the amount of information that is shown on the area layer. We developed the Skytron web portal in cooperation with Skytron® Energy.

Sonoro Cubo Dock

For the German audio manufacturer sonoro audio we designed cuboDock, a docking station compatible with Apple’s current handheld device portfolio. cuboDock complements sonoro’s well known cubo line and will convince you with breathtaking sound quality. The docking station is equipped with Bluetooth technology to allow wirless connection with nearly any kind of device.

Vodafone 555 Blue

The Vodafone 555 Blue brings Facebook to the forefront of your phone. Access your Facebook functions with one press of the F-key and no need to launch an app or log in. Update your status, check your news feed and messages, and see Facebook profiles when contacts call. With Vodafone’s great value data plans, the Vodafone 555 Blue puts Facebook in the palm of your hand. We designed the Vodafone 555 Blue in close collaboration with Vodafone Industrial Design Group.

Changers Kalhuofummi & Maroshi

The idea behind Changers is to motivate millions of people across the world to start producing their own energy. In doing so, they fight against climate change – and maybe make the world a better place to live. In order to do this, we developed a simple and effective Hardware. The lightweight solar module converts sunlight into energy, and stores it in the portable charger, giving the user a mobile energy source that allows them to charge their mobile devices. The hardware design has a distinctive and instantly recognizable profile. The device operation is intuitive and condenses a large number of features into an easy to understand interface.

Vodafone K 3806

The world’s first fully customisable mobile broadband stick with clip-on covers offers further personalisation by way of a portal where you can upload your own photos. And it’s child’s play to install thanks to plug-and-play technology. We designed the K3806 stick in close collaboration with Vodafone Industrial Design Group.

Vodafone Compass

Compass 2010 is the QWERTY version of Compass. As a perfect social network companion, it shows the geographic position of friends, shows social network and widget updates and acts as MP3 player and internet browser. Functions can also be accessed “blindly” via the central key on the back in combination with a gesture. By rotating the device it changes its interface and certain applications can be retrieved. Finally, the rotating camera can be used for overhead photography. The smartphone was developed in collaboration with Vodafone Industrial Design Group and won an iF product design award 2010.

Vodafone 135 Wing

Simple aesthetic! The 135 Wing is a compelling advancement of Vodafones affordable handheld devices. Its design and construction is entirely focused on clarity and simplicity. The vibrant OLED display shines directly through the translucent housing with a very low battery consumption. Combined with the integrated keypad, this solution reduces the housing from four to only two parts. 135 Wing is developed in collaboration with Vodafone Industrial Design Group and won an IF-Award 2010.

NR21 My Scan

Myscan is a design concept for a blood sugar meter.People with diabetis mellitus are able to scan and monitor their blood sugar and insuline levels easily and precisely, at home as well as on the move. A distinctive shape shows two extensions: one for the teststrip and one for the code-chip, which in turn gives an intuitive indication of the functionality of the product. Myscan consists of a battery powered minicomputer, a usb plug and an insertion opening for the test strip. The collected data can then be transmitted to a computer via infrared. A needle pen allows a quick and easy blood test.

Vodafone 135

The Vodafone 135 is one of the most cost competitive mobile telephones in the world. It is a ‘classic candy bar’ mobile phone, designed to make mobile communications affordable in emerging markets, thanks to a 2.2 inch dot matrix black and white display suitable for calls and texts. The target was to achieve the highest perceived quality at the lowest possible cost. The resulting design is a slim shaped ‘candy bar’ with a high level of precision in comparison with other entry devices. Due to the clear geometry, dynamic surfaces and an interplay between matte and glossy areas the device looks thin, technically advanced and modern. The matte rubber material shows a clear contrast to the high gloss display lens. All keys are integrated in one rubber matte with a prominent relief for an improved haptic feeling.
The VF 135 received a GOOD DESIGN Award 2009 from the Athenaeum Chicago and won the iF gold award 2010!

NR21 C-BOT

Client: NR21Year: 2007Services: Product Design, Prototyping

C-Bot is a climbing robot used for building diagnosis, in order to analyze the building fabric and detect inner damages with ultrasonic sensors. An innovative bionic nano material imitates the gecko’s foot sole structure and guarantees a secure hold on materials like glass, concrete or metals. The complex leg architecture, with integrated active and passive joints, qualifies the C-Bot to navigate any kind of edge or spherical surface – also vertical walls. The C-Bot project is the result of a collaboration with the Max-Planck-Institut and won the Gold Prize (2007) of the Japan Design Foundation in Osaka/Japan.

Vodafone 858 Smart

Say “hello” to apps! The Vodafone 858 Smart brings you smart phone functionality without the complexity and cost. Get a 2.8-inch touchscreen, 2MP camera and access to your emails, social networks and thousands of amazing apps wherever you go. We designed the Vodafone 858 Smart in close collaboration with Vodafone Industrial Design Group.

Vodafone Umts key

With the additional function of HSDPA modem, this ultra-flat USB stick also serves as a practical key to the internet. Worn on a keychain, it is the owners constant companion. It communicates its mode via a led display that shines through the housing. In a design reminiscent of a car key, this product excells with unpretentious appeal. The design was developed in collaboration with Vodafone Industrial Design Group and won an iF product design award 2010.

BMW CGT

Gigaset Trebbiano

Client: Gigaset Communications GmbHYear: 2008Services: Product Design

The base of this DECT Telephone is defined by a compact, slim silhouette; enabled by an intelligent stackup configuration. An innovative user interface is navigated by a novel rotating center key. A clear, well-defined layout of keys and a pure shape signals simplicity and precision. Trebbiano does not follow whimsical changes in trends and fashion.Thus the device is a statement of timeless and functional design. Collaborative Project with Markus Schmitt-Fumian, Gigaset Communications GmbH. UI design by Designgruppe Flath & Frank. Product design by nr21 DESIGN GmbH.

Adidas Adilette

Client: AdidasYear: 2006Services: Concept, Product Design

This flip flop shoe concept is designed to give a fresh look to a classic sports recreational product. The updated adilette is designed to be fashionable and allows many color combinations. A special feature is the neoprene stretch band, combined with a flexible brace which allows a secure foothold.

Sonoro Cubo Go

Fun, versatile and always about style, sonoro audio extends its impressive sound technology and use of texture and colours into this modern line of compact, durable and easy-to-use portable radios. Let cuboGo reflect your mood with interchangeable covers to suit the moment. cuboGo makes an ideal travel companion or interior accessory for any lifestyle. Product design by nr21 DESIGN.

Koziol Fango

Client: KoziolYear: 2009Services: Product Design

For Koziol we designed a hot-water bottle with an iconic and pure shape. The product offers two different sides, each with unique characteristics: Initially, while the bottle is hot, the thicker, patterned side of the bottle can be applied. As the bottle cools off it can be simply reversed; thus utilizing the remaining heat by applying the thinner and warmer surface.

VW Ice Cream

Client: VolkswagenYear: 2007Services: Brand Design

Consuming the Brand! For Volkswagen we thought about show car-accessories. On the occasion of the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 we came up with the idea of handing out ice cream during the presentation of the ‘Space-Up’. The ice-cream is one idea of a bigger accessory range which emphasized the VW design language by dealing with certain iconic design elements. This particular concept underlines the young and easy lifestyle that the Volkswagen ‘Space-Up’ concept was specifically designed for.